So you are thinking of installing solar panels? Well below gives you a brief guide as to how they work and what you need to know.

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) captures and traps the sun’s energy (known as Direct current or DC) using photovoltaic cells. Cells are made from multiple layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon. Light shining on the cell generates an electric potential across the silicon layers, which allows a current to flow, producing electricity. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is produced.

Cells don’t just need direct sunlight to work, they can still produce optimum amounts of electricity on cloudy day’s.

Electricity produced by solar panels is converted into electricity that can be used within a building. An inverter, which converts the DC electricity generated by the panels in to AC (Alternating Current), which is what your domestic appliances use. During daylight hours the energy from the solar panels can be used to supply your building appliances, replacing electricity you would otherwise purchase from your supplier.

Under the Smart Energy Guarantee scheme you are paid for the electricity you don’t use that is exported back to the national grid.. The current rate is approximately 5 pence per kWh.

To get the most out of the electricity that your panels produce it’s best to use appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during the day. To take advantage of the free electricity generated combine with Battery Storage or an Electric Vehicle Charger .